Researchers find higher levels of dangerous chemical than expected in southeast Louisiana

By KEVIN McGILL
Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Scientists using new methods of measuring the carcinogen ethylene oxide have found much higher than expected levels of the chemical in the air along a corridor in southeastern Louisiana. Researchers drove two vans using different, updated measuring systems multiple times over the course of a month. The different systems agreed with each other. Ethylene oxide is used to make numerous products and to sterilize medical equipment. The Johns Hopkins University researchers found levels up to 20 times higher than what regulators listed for the area — and often much higher than what is considered acceptable under federal cancer risk standards. The research was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.